Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: “UK City of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to celebrate their creativity and use culture as a catalyst for economic growth.

“I am delighted to see so many bids from across the country, showing how many areas recognise the important role culture can play in the development and regeneration of communities.

“UK City of Culture helps boost tourism and raises the profile of arts and culture. The exciting funding commitment from the Heritage Lottery Fund today is yet another incentive for towns to secure this prestigious title.”

St Davids Cathedral (Image: Western Mail Archive)

It is the third year the competition has run.

It is estimated that since Hull’s winning bid in 2013 it has seen investments worth £1 billion flow into the region.

The successful bidder has to show their programme of events is "underpinned by heritage and builds on existing investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund".

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “This list shows there is clearly a great deal of enthusiasm among the UK’s cities for celebrating their unique culture.

"Heritage, much of which has benefited over the past 23 years from National Lottery funding, is so important to a city’s identity, as well as making a huge contribution to tourism, jobs and the local economy.

"Building on the support we have given to Hull 2017, this funding will allow the UK City of Culture 2021 to showcase its heritage to the world.”

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart

Swansea council leader Rob Stewart said securing the City of Culture status put cities "on the map".

"It also brings communities together to celebrate their heritage and diversity and leads to many millions of pounds being spent in local businesses through tourism and day visits," he added.

"The status also attracts new investment to the successful cities as their reputation grows."

Hull is the second city to host the title.

Its programme includes 365 days of cultural events and more than 340,000 people have attended the In With A Bang fireworks event and Made In Hull programme.

A shortlist of the bidding areas will be announced in the summer before the winning area is announced in December.